Matthew McLuckie has been identified as the man tragically killed in head-on collision on Hindmarsh Drive last Thursday 19 May, with his family paying an emotional tribute to the 20-year-old.

McLuckie was returning home from work before colliding with another vehicle that was travelling on the wrong side of the road and he sadly passed away a short time later in hospital.

The female driver of the other car remains in hospital in a serious condition. Police are still searching for the driver of a third vehicle they believe was also involved in the incident, who officers say may have also been driving on the wrong side of the road.

McLuckie’s family today released a statement saying they are ‘absolutely heartbroken’ and are pleading with the Canberra community to stop the reckless driving.

The McLuckie family statement in full

“Matthew (Matt) McLuckie was just 20 years old when his life ended in a collision on Hindmarsh Drive on Thursday night,” the statement read.

“He was a beautiful, gentle, compassionate young man. He was kind-hearted and generous and very much a home bird. His best friend was his younger brother Joseph who he just adored and he was so proud of him.

“He loved his family, doing workouts in the home gym, and was a hardworking student.

“He was caring, funny, witty, clever, and humble. He preferred to stay in the background and listen to people, rather than being front and centre. He grew into a big man who gave the best hugs. He was well-liked by just about everyone that met him.

“Matthew was born in Glasgow, Scotland and we then migrated to Australia in 2005. Moving to Canberra in 2007, Matthew attended Mawson Primary School and St Mary MacKillop College.

“He played football at the Brindabella Football Club in Calwell with a reputation as a fearless goalkeeper from U6s to U18s and was also a junior referee. He also enjoyed Tae Kwon Do, tennis, kayaking, camping and a swim at the beach with his much loved dogs, Poppy and Kaiser. Over the last few years he was an avid and committed weight trainer. He was a formidable Chess player and measured in any debate.

“Matthew was studying at ANU for a degree in Advanced Computing (Honours), commencing the same year COVID emerged. Despite the difficulties in home learning, he was in his third year and had passed classes with several distinctions.

“He worked for Swissport at the Canberra Airport. He loved his job and was saving all his money to buy his first home.

“Our family are absolutely heartbroken with Matthew’s death. We cannot describe in words the pain of losing our son in such a senseless and absolutely avoidable accident. He was a young man, coming home from work, to a home where he was loved, with his dinner waiting for him in the fridge.

“Everyone who knew our lovely young man has been devastated by his loss, his future being robbed from him so needlessly. He had so much more to give, so much love to share.

Plea to the the reckless drivers

“To the Canberra and Queanbeyan area drivers and particularly those who have been racing on our city streets over the last few months – please, please, please understand there are massive consequences to the wilful recklessness of your racing and speeding.

“It may all seem like a bit of fun, a great thrill, a good laugh and something to do with your mates, but your actions have consequences. Ultimately our family and all our friends have been left totally shattered by the loss of our beloved and cherished son, brother, grandson, cousin, colleague and fellow student.

“For those who took part in the incident and chose to drive away from the horrific accident, we implore you to have the courage to accept the consequences of your actions. Stop hiding behind your anonymity like cowards. Come forward to the police. We never got to say goodbye, have one last hug and a cherished smile. Matthew died that night terrified and without his family on Hindmarsh Drive.

“To anyone in the wider community who may know or suspect they know those involved in this incident in any way, we beg you to report what you know to ACT Policing. Our town and its surrounds are a community. Please do the right thing and help bring some comfort and closure to our family.

“If this message can save just one life, stop another family being shattered and broken, then no matter how painful our loss is, maybe our son has not died for nothing other than a cheap thrill.

“To the public who were first on the scene, the first responders and emergency services who had to cut our son from his wrecked car, provide him with attention and care, and pronounce him dead on arrival at The Canberra Hospital, we are eternally grateful for your love and your care. – The McLuckie family”

McLuckie’s death was one of three road fatalities in the 24 hours between 19 May and 21 May. A driver died in a single-vehicle collision on Kingsford Smith Drive in Melba on Friday 20 May, and a 53-year-old motorcyclist died in a collision on Bugden Avenue, Gowrie on Saturday 21 May.